UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev, held on October 24, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, proved to be a night of unexpected turns and thrilling finishes, with several underdogs defying the odds. While Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title in the main event, the most significant upset of the evening saw Colby Thicknesse hand the highly-touted, previously undefeated Asaf Chopurov his first professional loss.
Alexander Volkanovski Defends Featherweight Title in Thrilling Upset
Alexander Volkanovski, entering the cage as a slight 1.1-to-1 underdog against the undefeated Movsar Evloev, delivered a stunning performance to retain his featherweight championship. The Australian icon secured a knockout victory via punches late in the second round, at four minutes and fifty-four seconds. This emphatic win marked Evloev's first professional defeat, shifting his record to 10-1-0, while Volkanovski improved to 16-3-0.
The fight was anticipated to be a tight and intense affair, but Volkanovski ended it in remarkable fashion, flooring the Russian challenger with a series of heavy hits before the referee intervened with just six seconds left in the round. Commentators lauded Volkanovski's performance, with Paul Felder calling it "unreal" and Jon Anik declaring him "one of the greatest of all time". Daniel Cormier described the fight as a "shut out, a no-hitter," noting that Volkanovski sustained only a minor face cut.
Volkanovski's victory, especially in such dominant fashion, can keep his Hall of Fame-worthy career flourishing, defying expectations that a defeat might end his run. He expressed satisfaction with the finish, stating he had promised his wife a "quick one" for their wedding anniversary. Evloev, despite the loss, remained gracious, calling Volkanovski a "great champion" and an honor to share the cage with.
Colby Thicknesse Stuns Undefeated Asaf Chopurov
In what was undeniably the biggest upset of UFC 333, Colby Thicknesse defeated Asaf Chopurov by a split decision after three rounds, with judges scoring it 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 in favor of Thicknesse. Chopurov, making his UFC debut with a perfect 0-0-0 record (and a lengthy amateur career), was a heavy favorite at 70%, but Thicknesse, a 2.3-to-1 underdog, spoiled his professional debut. The bantamweight contest saw Thicknesse attempt a guillotine choke in the first round, which Chopurov escaped, and also landed elbows and knees from the clinch in the second. The final round featured more grappling exchanges, with both fighters still attacking until the final horn. The split decision, particularly a controversial 10-9 scorecard in the first round for Thicknesse from one judge, sparked debate among fans, as many believed Chopurov had controlled the opening frame. Thicknesse's record improved to 3-1-0, while Chopurov's perfect professional record was blemished to 0-1-0.
Dominick Reyes Delivers First-Round Knockout Against Azamat Murzakanov
Dominick Reyes, a significant 1.8-to-1 underdog, made a resounding statement by defeating Azamat Murzakanov with a first-round knockout at two minutes and forty seconds. Reyes, who entered the bout with a 10-5-0 record, improved to 11-5-0, while Murzakanov's record fell to 6-2-0. Reyes targeted Murzakanov's lead leg with low kicks early in the fight, then capitalized on his opponent's anticipation of another low kick by unleashing a high kick that wrapped around Murzakanov's head. Though Murzakanov attempted to mask his distress, Reyes followed up with a powerful left straight that floored him, leading to ground-and-pound and the referee's stoppage. This victory marked Reyes' second consecutive win, signaling a potential revitalization of his career after a challenging period.
Petr Yan Wins Trilogy Bout Against Merab Dvalishvili
Petr Yan successfully defended his bantamweight title, defeating Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision after five rounds, with all three judges scoring the bout 48-47. Yan, who was a slight 1.1-to-1 underdog, improved his record to 13-4-0, while Dvalishvili's record moved to 14-4-0. This victory settled their trilogy, with Yan now holding a 2-1 advantage in their series. Dvalishvili started strong, relying on his wrestling and takedown attempts to control the opening two rounds. However, Yan made a significant comeback from the third round onwards, stuffing takedowns and landing impactful strikes, including a liver kick that visibly hurt Dvalishvili. Yan's ability to defend takedowns and land cleaner strikes ultimately secured him the unanimous decision.
Alexander Volkov Dominates Rizvan Kuniev
Alexander Volkov, a heavy favorite at 86%, secured a unanimous decision victory over Rizvan Kuniev after three rounds, with scorecards reading 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27. Volkov, improving his record to 15-5-0, demonstrated control and technical striking throughout the fight, keeping Kuniev at range and mixing in kicks and punches. He even showcased his grappling skills late in the third round, attempting a rear-naked choke. This win extends Volkov's winning streak to three and led him to call for a heavyweight title shot in his post-fight interview. Kuniev's record now stands at 2-2-0.
Grant Dawson Earns Decision Over Nurullo Aliev
Grant Dawson, a slight favorite at 51%, defeated Nurullo Aliev by unanimous decision after three rounds. Dawson's record advanced to 13-2-0, while Aliev's first professional loss brought his record to 4-1-0. Both fighters are known for their grappling, and the bout was anticipated to be a grappling chess match. Aliev, who had landed 14 takedowns in his previous four UFC appearances, faced a tough challenge in Dawson's proven wrestling and submission game.
The undercard also featured several notable finishes and upsets. Daniel Santos, a 1.3-to-1 underdog, defeated Bolaji Oki by unanimous decision, improving his record to 5-2-0. Abus Magomedov secured a first-round submission via guillotine choke against Cam Rowston, moving his record to 6-3-0. Kody Steele delivered a first-round knockout with punches against Noah Gugnon, bringing his record to 2-1-0. Abubakar Vagaev earned a unanimous decision victory over Jacob Malkoun, pushing his record to 2-0-0. Iasmin Lucindo defeated Nicolle Caliari by unanimous decision, with Lucindo's record now 6-2-0. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev stopped Nikita Krylov with a first-round knockout via knee, advancing his record to 4-0-0. Aaron Pico secured a first-round knockout with punches against Losene Keita, improving to 2-1-0. Finally, Lone'er Kavanagh delivered a first-round knockout with punches against Ramazan Temirov, moving his record to 4-2-0.
UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev — full results
| Winner | Defeated | How |
|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski UPSET | Movsar Evloev | KO/TKO R2 |
| Colby Thicknesse UPSET | Asaf Chopurov | Decision |
| Dominick Reyes UPSET | Azamat Murzakanov | KO/TKO R1 |
| Petr Yan UPSET | Merab Dvalishvili | Decision |
| Alexander Volkov | Rizvan Kuniev | Decision |
| Grant Dawson | Nurullo Aliev | Decision |
| Daniel Santos UPSET | Bolaji Oki | Decision |
| Abus Magomedov | Cam Rowston | Submission R1 |
| Kody Steele | Noah Gugnon | KO/TKO R1 |
| Abubakar Vagaev | Jacob Malkoun | Decision |
| Iasmin Lucindo | Nicolle Caliari | Decision |
| Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev | Nikita Krylov | KO/TKO R1 |
| Aaron Pico | Losene Keita | KO/TKO R1 |
| Lone'er Kavanagh | Ramazan Temirov | KO/TKO R1 |
Results from UFC Stats; odds quoted in the article are the closing Polymarket prices before the card.
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